A MAN has told of how he desperately attempted to save the life of a pensioner who had been knocked down by a double decker bus.

The victim, named locally as Ron Butler, was killed after he was hit by the bus at around 2.30pm in Witton Lodge Road, Erdington, on Sunday.

It is understood Mr Butler, aged 72, had just left the Oscott Social Club and was crossing the road when the incident happened.

Mr Butler suffered multiple injuries and went into cardiac arrest after the incident.

Chris Rogers, aged 37, who is steward of the social club, was one of the first at he scene and tried in vain to administer first aid.

Mr Rogers said: “Some members came in and said somebody had been hit by a bus.

“I ran out with the first aid and administered it as best as I could.

“I think he died on impact. His name was Ron Butler and he was a member of the club.”

A bouquet with a note was left taped to a lamppost at the scene where a collision board asking for witnesses to get in touch was placed.

Geoff Parkes, 63, a retired railway worker, said: “I used to say hello to Ron. I was here and I heard a hell of a thump.

“Chris came out and tried to revive him but it was awful.

“It was a shock. It took everybody by surprise.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The man had suffered multiple injuries and was in cardiac arrest. Bystanders and a police community support officer had already commenced CPR.

“Crews and the medics worked as a team to administer advanced life support to the man. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead on scene.”

The road was closed throughout the afternoon and reopened at around 7:40pm.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said they were investigating and anyone who saw what happened should call the Collision Investigation Unit on 101.